In line with this year’s celebration of the National Adoption Consciousness Week, the DSWD Field Office 5 conducted an adoption forum held last February 14, 2015 at the POPCOM, Regional Office 5, Legazpi City. The activity was intended for couples who have adopted children to get together and share their experiences, challenges and the joy of parenting an adoptive child.

This year’s theme for the week’s celebration is “Legal na Ampon Ako: Anak na Totoo” sends the message that there is no distinction in adopted children or biological children as the law accords them equal rights; that direct placement of children for adoption must be presented and that couples must not allow themselves to receive children through independent placement only to later legalize the child’s adoption.

Mr. Kenjie Andal, an adoptive father of a two year old girl shared his and his wife’s journey in building their home through adoption. With no reservation, he started his sharing from the issues of infertility which had basically hindered them in embarking at an early start of parenting. He shared the pains of infertility, the time of having no child almost their marriage. Despite the turbulent issues between them, Kenjie and his wife, Stephanie, found support to each other and the coming of their daughter “Rain” revived the flame of joy and enthusiasm in their home as parents to a child they have longed for.

It is a reality that adoptive parents are anxious or uncertain in telling adoption to the adoptive child and how the latter will react. However, it is a must that children should know their backgrounds and that the adoptive parents must be prepared to handle possible issues relative to the disclosure. Trust is important. It is crucial in building an honest and strong relationship between the adopted child and the adoptive parents. Adoptive parents are encouraged to tell about adoption as early as possible to condition the child about his background so that in the course of his/her growing up, the child is able to live in an environment where love and security is fostered.

Hearing the thoughts and perception of adoptive parents is heartwarming. One young adoptive couple expressed their happiness of having a baby girl in their life. She considers her a blessing, a realization of their fondest dream. “We will ensure that she is truly loved and be provided with security blanket that will protect her from any threat or being abandoned again.”
While there is much joy in adoptive parenting, issues on adoption procedures and court fees were some issues raised by the adoptive couples. They are advocating to the DSWD to have the adoption process, shorter, be it easier and not so tedious. Likewise, they are seeking the assistance of the department to help lobby with concern agencies to reduce the adoption fee.

Adoptive parents among themselves can be strong support among themselves. The DSWD assures them that the department is always ready available for support when needed in their journey as adoptive families. Way forward in the realm of adoption is the building of support groups by organizing the adoptive couples and be registered to assume a legal personality to become DSWD’s partners in alternative parental care and advocacy.###mpaeste/eejerusalem